DCHP-1 Online

Balm of Gilead † 

• the balsam poplar, Populus balsamifera, found throughout the forested areas of Canada.

  See also: balm (tree)  bam (tree)  rough-barked poplar  whitewood (def. 1)  

  • 1817  (1897)  [Trees found in the area of Ancaster, U.C., include] white oak . . . balm of Gilead. . . .
  • 1957  All Canadians know the sensual emanation of syringa, the Balm of Gilead's overpowering night redolence by the creek bottom. . . .